Li-Ning plays no games when it comes to basketball.
Now in their second year, Li-Ning’s All-Star Media Run has become a great event in itself. Complete with 3-point contest and official refs, the appearances made by celebrities and a rising NBA star just added to the already hyped environment.
Before tip-off, sports analyst Stephen A. Smith was on-hand to address the crowd, giving words of wisdom and career advice while sharing stories about the steps that were taken to get him where he is today. Li-Ning’s flagship player Evan Turner of the Philadelphia 76ers was on-hand to watch and take pictures with whoever asked; a really grounded guy which is increasing rare in this league. Also on display were the Li-Ning Turningpoint – ‘Year of the Dragon’ edition which ET wore during the Rising Stars game Friday night.
Members of the media were divided into two teams: Team Yi and Team Kuang. The Yi team was outfitted in the red jerseys and Li-Ning Turningpoints while Team Kuang wore black and laced up the Li-Ning Villians.
On-hand to provide color commentary throughout the entire game was none other Mike O’Malley of Nickelodeon GUTS past and more recently writer/producer of Shameless which airs on Showtime.
Despite a larger team (both in size and amount), Team Yi (aided by my hustle plays no doubt) pulled out a 8-point win over Team Kuang when the last buzzer sounded. Ren Hsieh, also from Team Yi, took home the title of the first ever Li-Ning ASMR 3-Point Contest.
The future of the All-Star Media Run and Li-Ning as a company looks very bright and I look forward to next years’ game with the same gusto as the All-Star game held by the NBA. See what I did there?
